An example from my own experience: at the beginning of my first year, I clearly understood that there were three people in the group who were smarter than me. As a result, I acknowledged this fact and delved into my studies, and now I am on equal footing with them.
You didn't make yourself smarter by doing that. You simply satisfied your ambitions.
Let's assume that fulfilling your moral needs ultimately makes you weaker, less intelligent, and less far-sighted.
What is more important: understanding and controlling the world, or submitting to the world?
Moral needs do not make a person weaker or less intelligent. They are dictated by reason and will.
И пока в кармане пачка милкиуэйев - значит все не так уж плохо на сегодняшний день